The city is accepting applications for a new municipal court judge to fill the vacancy created by Judge Steve Bolstand’s retirement on Jan. 1.

Applications and resumes are due to the city clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Jan. 8.

City Commissioners will interview the top candidates during a public meeting.

Since it’s an elected position, state law requires that commissioners fill the vacancy within 30 days of Bolstad’s retirement.

Bolstad retiring as Great Falls Municipal Court, city will appoint new judge

Candidates must meet the same qualifications as district court judges under state law, except that municipal court judges need only be admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least three years prior to the date of election/appointment, be a resident and qualified elector in the city at the time of appointment or election and be certified under state law prior to assuming office.

The appointed judge will serve for the remainder of Bolstad’s term through Dec. 31, 2027 and then will have to run for the regular four-year term in 2027.

City seeking applications for new judge position [2023]

Salary for municipal court judges is set by city resolution and a judge serving a first or partial term in Great Falls receives an annual salary of $119,859.75.

As a city elected official, judges received a benefits package of health, vision, dental, life insurance and participation in Montana’s Public Employee Retirement System.

For more information, contact Lisa Kunz, city clerk, at 406-455-8451.